My journey through teen pregnancy

Anonymous fell pregnant at the age of 15 and gave birth to a son a month after turning 16.

“When I first found out, I wanted to end my life,” she solemnly explained.

“As harsh as that sounds, it’s the truth. I had gone to a party the day I found out I was pregnant, hoping it was a bad dream. Instead, I woke up in a hospital the next morning and just prayed my baby was okay, and luckily he was.”

Anonymous resides in Dalpark after living in Benoni on and off for most of her life. At the time of her pregnancy, she was attending high school in Benoni.

“I was advised to complete my Grade 10 then go to college and complete my last two years,” she said.

“School life for me was extremely hard. I had to deal with the changes to my body and being in constant pain or discomfort. Even having to go to the bathroom a lot during school hours was unbearable at times.

“I had many people looking down on me because I was pregnant. I only had a few friends and family that were my support system at the time. I appreciate them all so much, even though back then I might not have shown it as much.”

When her son was born, her life changed drastically.

“I broke down. I fell off the proverbial bus for a while and started drinking and partying non-stop.

“I began hanging around bad people and mixing with the wrong crowds. It took me a few years to realise I can’t keep behaving like this otherwise I will end up in an early grave and the only person who is suffering more than me at this point is my son.

“I knew the only choice was to wake up and make my life better, push myself to be the best I can be, for myself and my son.”

Even though she had a baby to look after, anonymous still went on to complete her matric, despite the late nights and newfound responsibility.

“The father ran away like a cowered and ended up making someone else pregnant as well. Fortunately, I had my parents’ support, they even took over at one point when I was going through depression and just couldn’t take care of myself, let alone a baby. To this day they are still there for me and my three children, all boys. I am ever so grateful for my support system.

“I am happy and my children are happy, this is what matters most to me. I can’t say anything of worth to a young girl who might be going through the same things as I did, but if you decide to have sex earlier than you have decided to become an adult, then you must behave like one.

“Some girls have the choice taken from them, others make their own choices. So for those deciding to have sex early, rather don’t, instead, wait, explore the world, enjoy work, go out with your friends and be a child.”

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